Start Conversations as Easily as You Start a Car

Starting a car is easy. Put the key in, turn it, and the car starts. Would it not be great if starting a conversation was this easy? It can be--if you know how!

Unfortunately, many people don't know how. They struggle with starting conversations. If they do break the silence, the conversation sputters and dies.

This leads to boring parties, embarrassing silences, lack of friends and social skills. Not being able to easily start a conversation hinders business success and enjoyment in life. Do you know what I am talking about?

Starting a conversation can be as easy as starting a car. The reason you can quickly start a car is because you know the two steps:

Step 1: Put the key in the ignition

Step 2: Turn the key

These two steps work every time with virtually any car. So also there is a 2-step method for starting conversations. It will enable you to start conversation anywhere, anytime, with virtually anyone.

Here is the 2-step method for starting conversation:

Step 1: Break the silence

Step 2: Ask a good question

Simple is it not? Don't let the simplicity of the 2-step method fool you. It works! I have used the 2-step method with total strangers, friends, businessman, and even shy people with great success. Let me explain more.

1. Break the silence

A person cannot start a car until they put the key in the ignition, neither can a conversation start until the silence is broken. Generally, a greeting works great to break the silence.

"Hi Tom"

"Good morning"

"Hello"

There is a second way to break the silence and that is with a comment. This works well with strangers.

On a plane: "This has been a long delay."

To a clerk: "Looks busy today."

To a friend: "That was a good football game last night."

Now that the silence is broken, it is time to get the conversation flowing with the second step.

2. Ask a good question

Almost any question will work. In fact any question is better than dead silence. However, a good question will get the conversation moving. Here are a few examples:

"How are you doing today?"

"How was your week?"

"Where are you from?"

"How often do you fly?"

"What do you enjoy about this class?"

You might be thinking, "What if the conversation does not start after I ask a question?" This will sometimes happen. When it does, just remember the car illustration. Turn the key over again and ask another question. The conversion will eventually start.

That's it! Break the silence and ask a good question. Do this and you will be able to start a conversation as easily as you start a car.

--(C) Arlen Busenitz. Arlen is the author of "Conversation Magic: 7 Keys to Unlock your Ability to Conquer Shyness, Make Friends, and Confidently Talk with Anyone." Free tips and articles here: http://www.conversation-tips.com/sc

About The Author

Arlen is a gifted writer and speaker.

Arlen@conversation-tips.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Using Your Natural Style On Stage

We were both speakers at the same convention presenting on... Read More

Start Conversations as Easily as You Start a Car

Starting a car is easy. Put the key in, turn... Read More

Five Tired, Worn Out Speaking Cliches

The subject of public speaking is riddled with tired, worn... Read More

Voice Coaching - Training Your Voice to Give Better Presentations

Picture a cool crisp autumn morning in the wide open... Read More

Giving Presentations: Public Speaking Secrets in a Nutshell

A high level manager contacted me in a panic. He... Read More

Ten Tips on Speaking with Authority and Power

No matter how good you are as a presenter, there... Read More

How To Dramatically Improve Your Public Speaking Skills

This Article Is For Those Who Understand How Persuasive Communication,... Read More

Conquer Presentation Anxiety: Olympic Athletes Show Us How

Whether going for the gold or giving a presentation, the... Read More

7 Sure Fire Ways To Overcome Stage Fright When Speaking Or Performing

Prayer or Meditation: If you're a believer you can pray... Read More

The Top 5 Public Speaking Questions Answered

There are a number of questions that we consistently get... Read More

Speaking for FUN and PROFIT

How do you gain contacts from a speaking engagement?The name... Read More

Talk May Be Cheap but Your Speech Should Be Priceless!

Take a moment and imagine if you will any one... Read More

How To Make A Blue Ribbon Presentation Every Time

You can make a Blue Ribbon presentation each and every... Read More

No More Stagefright - Have Fun Speaking!

7 Tips that calm and center you before your presentation:1.... Read More

Getting Results from Your Writing & Speaking

When we communicate, we usually want something to happen. We... Read More

Executive Public Speaking for English as a Second Language (ESL)

Public Speaking is a challenging skill. It is TOUGH! For... Read More

Public Speaking Tips: The More You Know, The More It Will Flow - Tips For Knowing Your Audience

The more you know about your audience, the better your... Read More

Conversationally Speaking

"Would you like to say a few words?" How many... Read More

How to Answer Questions Your Audience Will Ask

In elementary school, most of us asked questions which were... Read More

Make The Most of Examples and Stories

Examples and stories can bring your presentations alive. They can... Read More

How To Get Paid Every Time You Speak - REALLY!

For many, speaking or training is a full time business.... Read More

The Porch Light* Method to Speaking Confidence

You know the feeling. Looking out at a sea of... Read More

Now Appearing: 9 Tips for a Well-Attended Event

When I made the decision to do free workshops and... Read More

The Ten Habits of Highly Effective Speakers

Successful speakers do not do all the right things all... Read More

Speech Writing Secrets Of President Bill Clinton

Speaking in public can be a powerful way to build... Read More

Speech Making - Reasons Why People Dont Listen

Making a speech seems simple. You speak, others listen. However... Read More

Does Uptalk Make you Upchuck?

Uptalk is invading the work place and is reaching epidemic... Read More

The Little-Known Speechwriting Secrets That Won George W Bush The US Election

He's been accused of "mangling the language, destroying its meaning... Read More

Etiquette - An Essential Ingredient to Your Success As a Public Speaker

Sadly, the public speaking circle has its fair share of... Read More

Fee Credibility is a Must

Think of it like this: your fee credibility is as... Read More

The Ps and Qs of Public Speaking

Avoid the painWhich would you prefer - root canal dental... Read More

How VALUABLE is Your Speaking Topic?

What information can be used immediately by the audience and... Read More

Top 7 Tips for Speakers

Public Speaking is the number one way to advance your... Read More